Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey, I'm getting a leo soon, hopefully very soon. Mainly all I have left to do is get the leo. Also, I'm still looking for a good setup that I can buy. I just want something big enough to hold one male gecko as that's what I'll probably get. Here's what I'm looking at right now. It's a vision cage (I've heard good things about vision?) but my main concern is with the vent issue. Here's a link (it's the first one, model #111)

http://www.visionproducts.us/cages/htm/small.html

What exactly is a flourescent vent? Any other suggestions for good cage manufacturers. If the vent is a problem, would the 3rd one down be too big for a single leo (i'll probably be getting a juvie)

Second, a good breeder. The first one I've been recommended is Tremper, but I've stumbled across two other "breeders"

This one has a great selection with individual pics and birthdates which really impresses me and I was just wondering if anyone has any experience or whether or not you would feel comfortable purchasing from them.

http://www.vmsherp.com/4SaleLeopards.htm

The last "breeder" has great prices and that's the only reason I'm even considering it. Has anyone done any business with Ray's Reptilia?

http://www.raysreptilia.com

Everything seems a little off with him, but if anyone by chance has had good luck with him, let me know and I will definitely go with him. 50 dollars shipped for a baby leo is the cheapest I've seen.

My last option is to go to a show which is what I really want to do. There are some within a days drive in the next couple of months, but realistically there aren't any even moderately close until march, and none within 2 hours of where I live until june. Would it be worth waiting this long to go to a show? How safe is shipping? I suppose all pet stores do it, how else would they get new herps during the winter? These are all questions I just want answered, I'm really nervous about having anything shipped to me before I really see it and I just want to avoid the scam factor altogether.

I think by vent they just mean where a flourescent bulb can fit. I am not positive, however, so you may want to email the company.

All of the breeders you mentioned are good breeders. Ron Tremper is a famous breeder who originated some leo morphs including the aptly named 'Tremper Albino'.

VMS has an excellent site and a very good reputation. I have not had personal experience with them but have never heard any complaints.

As for Ray, if I remember correctly he sometimes posts on the forum, and I have never heard any complaints about him or his animals. However, unlike VMS and Tremper he is not a reptile breeder first. He has another job so breeding is more of a passion than a business (and I do not mean to imply that VMS and Mr. Tremper are not passionate about their animals as they certainly seem to be). As such Ray probably does not have tons of space for baby leos which leads to the lower price.

I think you will do fine with any of the above. I would try to get a picture and weight of the exact leo you are getting. I know VMS does this, but I am not sure about the others. Most breeders (I would almost say all) offer a money back/replacement guarantee so if something does happen to your new pet you should be covered.
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2.0 Leos (Spot - Normal but oh, so sexy; Jessie - hypotang)
3.2.4 Fattails (Henri, Suwannee, Valencio, Dixie, Isis, Zipper, Pheonix, Hissy, and Snickerdoodle)
0.0.1 redfoot tortoise (Sherman)
0.0.1 sulcatta tortoise (Tinacious aka Tiny)
1.1 Dogs (Zubin and Brenda)
0.1 cat (Mimi)

I did some quick research on Ray's Reptilia on another forum. I will only say, there are people who are less than happy with their transactions with him.

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2.0 Leos (Spot - Normal but oh, so sexy; Jessie - hypotang)
3.2.4 Fattails (Henri, Suwannee, Valencio, Dixie, Isis, Zipper, Pheonix, Hissy, and Snickerdoodle)
0.0.1 redfoot tortoise (Sherman)
0.0.1 sulcatta tortoise (Tinacious aka Tiny)
1.1 Dogs (Zubin and Brenda)
0.1 cat (Mimi)

If you go to the top of the screen under breeders/dealers/stores it will take you to a list of breeders. Also i know from purchases that Everyone in the sponsor section is good except for Reptile Kings. Only because i don't know anything about them. I have made purchases from all the other breeders listed. Obviously myself excluded.
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Brian
www.thewindycitygecko.com

I have two Leos from VMSHerp.com. They have healthy animals and great communication with thier customers. Right now is the time to buy from them, cause the end of the year prices are great. I've been eyeing some of their leos, but I'm trying to behave. Besides the only Leo left on my wish list is a Red Stripe female and they don't have them.
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www.LeopardGeckoBreeder.com

www.LeopardGeckoArt.com

5.13.1 Leos
1.0 Peach Fronted Conure
0.0.2 Red Ear Sliders
1.0 Pembroke Corgi
0.2 Cats
8 fish

I appreciate all the advice, I'll stay way from Ray at least for my first purchase. I think I'll go with VMS since I just really like the way I can pick the exact one I want without any guesswork, even if it is just a normal or albino. I really like the way it seems they give equal attention to each animal whether it's worth 35 dollars or 535 dollars. As for the cage, I think I'll go with what I'm considering now as far as the caging. Vision seems like the most reputable company as far as caging, and I don't think they would sell a cage with no venting at all, and worst case scenario I have to crack the cage open for 15 minutes a day to get some fresh air in there. Thanks again to everybody that's answered my multiple posts over the last month, it's really made getting all the loose ends together that much easier.